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Needs Improvement

#2400 of 2,466 schools in NJ

James J Ferris High School

High School · Jersey City Public Schools

35 COLGATE ST, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Enrollment

1,345

Student-Teacher

14.3:1

Score

3.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

New Jersey schools

#2,400 of 2,466

In Jersey City

#51 of 52

public schools

In district

#38 of 39

Jersey City Public Schools

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James J Ferris High School

3.4/10

High School in Jersey City · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Dr. Michael Conti School

8.7/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Academy of Technology Design

6.7/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About James J Ferris High School

James J Ferris High School is a public high school in Jersey City, NJ, part of Jersey City Public Schools. James J Ferris High School serves approximately 1,345 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.3:1 student-teacher ratio. James J Ferris High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,400 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

Structured state assessment records for James J Ferris High School show 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.2 pts below district
  • This school 3.4 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.6
  • NJ avg 5.8

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.4Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-17.95 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.8Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency6% (2025 NJSLA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency28.8% (2025 NJSLA)
Math vs. State Avg-35.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-29.4 pts
Overall Proficiency17% (2025 NJSLA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2025 NJSLA)
vs. Expected-15.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile10th
College Readiness4.8Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate82%
AP Participation3.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$28,525
Chronic Absenteeism17.2%

James J Ferris High School — Students at James J Ferris High School score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

61.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 19.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
42.8% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)
ELA Proficiency 42.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
54.1% (multi-year state average, 2024-2025)

Based on 32 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
45%
ELA
60%
2010
Math
48%
ELA
74%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
78%
2012
Math
49%
ELA
68%
2013
Math
45%
ELA
73%
2014
Math
3%
ELA
8%
2015
Math
8%
ELA
30%
2016
Math
7%
ELA
29%
2017
Math
6%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
4%
ELA
23%
2019
Math
4%
ELA
23%
2020*
Math
8%
ELA
36%
2021*
Math
8%
ELA
36%
2022
Math
6%
ELA
26%
2024
Math
13.7%
ELA
57%
2025
Math
6%
ELA
28.8%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.4/10.

How James J Ferris High School Compares

See how James J Ferris High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
3th percentile in NJ
Academic
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3.2
Sports
21
11 boys' · 10 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
62%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
94 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
3.4% participation·State avg: 3.2 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics21sports offered
11 boys'·10 girls'·46 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

35 COLGATE ST, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering James J Ferris High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. County Prep High School (rated 9.1/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Dr Ronald McNair High School (rated 8.3/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Academy of Technology Design (rated 6.7/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Jersey City, see our Jersey City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 0.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Dr. Michael Conti School Jersey City 0.2 mi 8.7
Academy of Technology Design Jersey City 0.3 mi 6.7
Middle School # 4 Jersey City 0.3 mi 5.9
BelovED Community Charter School Jersey City 0.4 mi 5.0
County Prep High School Jersey City 0.3 mi 9.1
FIRST CHRISTIAN PENTECOSTAL ACADEMY Jersey City 0.4 mi 5.9
Frank R Conwell School Jersey City 0.4 mi 8.6
Dr Ronald McNair High School Jersey City 0.5 mi 8.3
William L Dickinson High School Jersey City 0.6 mi 4.3
HUDSON MONTESSORI Jersey City 0.5 mi 7.8
ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jersey City 0.6 mi 6.3
THE FRENCH AMERICAN ACADEMY Jersey City 0.5 mi 6.5
Regional Day School Jersey City 0.6 mi 5.9
ST ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL Jersey City 0.6 mi 6.4
HAMILTON PARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL Jersey City 0.6 mi 6.8
Rev. Dr. Ercel F. Webb School Jersey City 0.7 mi 7.3
Rafael Cordero y Molina Jersey City 0.7 mi 7.7
OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA Jersey City 0.7 mi 6.4
HAMILTON PARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL Jersey City 0.7 mi 7.0
BEREGEN-LAFAYETTE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Jersey City 0.8 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 07302 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$166,854

Median Home Value

$853,700

Median Rent

$2,960/mo

Population

55,448

College Educated

80%

Homeownership

24.3%

Avg Commute

37.1 min

Poverty Rate

7.1%

Median Age

34.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Williamstown High School Williamstown, NJ 3.4
Barnegat High School Barnegat, NJ 3.5
Central Regional High School Bayville, NJ 3.3
Irvington High School Irvington, NJ 3.3
John F. Kennedy High School Paterson, NJ 3.3
Millville High School Millville, NJ 3.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about James J Ferris High School

What grades does James J Ferris High School serve?

James J Ferris High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend James J Ferris High School?

James J Ferris High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,345 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at James J Ferris High School?

The student-teacher ratio at James J Ferris High School is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does James J Ferris High School rank in NJ?

James J Ferris High School ranks #2,400 of 2,466 schools in NJ.

What is James J Ferris High School's MySchoolScout rating?

James J Ferris High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at James J Ferris High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, James J Ferris High School has 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is James J Ferris High School a charter school?

No, James J Ferris High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is James J Ferris High School a Title I school?

No, James J Ferris High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for James J Ferris High School?

61.9% of students at James J Ferris High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
95 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
75 Excellent Transit
Bike Score
69 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,345
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
94
Free/Reduced Lunch
61.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Hudson County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.2%
4-Year Graduation
82.0%

District

Jersey City Public Schools
District Enrollment
26,293
Schools in District
39
Per-Pupil Spending
$28,525
District Rank
#38 of 39

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